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Catholic World News News Feature

Austrian cardinal optimistic on Catholic-Orthodox accord March 22, 2007

Theological differences between the Catholic and Orthodox churches can be resolved, Cardinal Christoph Schönborn told a Russian newspaper, if the two faiths can overcome “the burden of history.”

In an interview with Trud, the Archbishop of Vienna said that Catholic and Orthodox beliefs are in accord “on almost every theological issue.” One remaining point of contention, he acknowledged, is the role of the papacy. But the Austrian cardinal expressed confidence that that argument, too, could be resolved.

The Roman Pontiff plays an increasingly important role as the focus of Christian unity, Cardinal Schönborn observed. That unity is crucial today, he said, in light of the conflict between Christian and secular outlooks. “Whenever possible, Christians should speak with one voice,” the cardinal argued.

Catholic and Orthodox believers can and should join together, the cardinal said, to oppose abortion, euthanasia, and embryonic stem-cell research, and to promote respect for the dignity of human life. On these issues too, he noted, the Catholic and Orthodox churches are in accord.